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Last year on the old WLDG, I mentioned that I was putting in a home vineyard in Southern Maryland and plan to try a number of different varieties to see if anything will work in our high humidity 3700 degree growing season conditions. There are numerous potential problems but the ones that I am most concerned with are deer, mildew, and rot. Some had asked for updates so here is the first but there is not much to tell yet. The Barbera has been in for a month now and it seems that all 25 vines are off to a good start. Too early to tell much else. Have reduced the planned varieties down from 12 to an initial 8. Plan is to add Cab Franc, Petit Verdot, Tannat, Syrah, Sangiovese, Aglanico, and Montepulciano next year then evaluate adding others.

Spacing is meter by meter. Soil is graverly silt with minimal fertility. The pH was adjusted up from 5.5. Drainage ranges from adequate to good in the small plot. Rootstock is 101-14.

Sounds Great! I started my vineyard last year with 4 rows, 7 ft between vines, 8 ft. between rows and 22 vines per row. I have one row each of Chambourcin, and Vignoles and half rows of Cayuga, Vidal, Leon Millot and Traminette. All are hybrids growing on their own roots. I have sandy clay with poor drainage. We'll have to meet up in a few years and compare our "Estate Bottlings".

Paul, No grapes this year. Maybe a small crop next year but will wait and see how they come through the winter and decide. I could take some picutures but nothing much to get exicted about at this stage. I guess I should just as reference.

Howie Hart wrote:Sounds Great! I started my vineyard last year with 4 rows, 7 ft between vines, 8 ft. between rows and 22 vines per row. I have one row each of Chambourcin, and Vignoles and half rows of Cayuga, Vidal, Leon Millot and Traminette. All are hybrids growing on their own roots. I have sandy clay with poor drainage. We'll have to meet up in a few years and compare our "Estate Bottlings".

Howie, as I've said in the past, I really admire what you're doing. I would love to see your vineyard when it comes into production. It's always been an inspiration for me whenever I see backyard vineyards in our part of the world. It's just such a civilized and cultured pursuit - and the wines truly are "estate" wines: your own private, or family, estate. I think it's a great "small step" towards the building of a wine culture in our part of the world using climatically suitable grapes, and I applaud it.

Brian,
What part of Southern Maryland? I live in Bowie, but I've worked in both Leonardtown and Waldorf. I know the area pretty well. Judging from the gravel, I'm assumming you're down in St. Mary's. You shouldn't have a problem with winters down there, but the rain in September could be a killer. Keep us up to date and let me know where you hang out. We could get together sometime.
Cheers!
James

Not sure I understand exactly what you are asking. The frost free period is on average 185-192 days starting in the second to third week of April and lasting until the third week of October. However, it is the heat that worries me more. We have on average 3700 degree days and the nights stay fairly warm. Concerned that will force ever earlier ripening and reduction in acidity.

Brian,
October would be early for a frost in Charles County. I would guess the average first frost is usually in November sometime. The heat and rain are your biggest issues. The gravelly soils should help down there though. Keep us all posted.

I also occassionally do some free tasings for some of the larger distributers in the state in LaPlata and Waldorf. I'll let you know when the next one is scheduled.
Cheers!
James

Brian Gilp wrote:Have reduced the planned varieties down from 12 to an initial 8. Plan is to add Cab Franc, Petit Verdot, Tannat, Syrah, Sangiovese, Aglanico, and Montepulciano next year then evaluate adding others.

Wishing you loads of good fortune, Brian. Not sure if this came up when you posted on the old WLDG, but I think Barboursville Vineyards in Virginia has done a lot of work with Italian varieties. While the Charlottesville area may differ in significant ways from Charles County, they might be inclined to share some lessons learned.

To James Roscoe [I haven't figured out how to double quote in a single post]:
Please tell me more about these tastings you host!

Clinton,
I haven't figure out how to single quote so you're ahead of me. Is there some sort of tutorial I've been ignoring here? Maybe Robin can point it out again so I can continue to ignore it.
Cheers!
James

Not sure I understand exactly what you are asking. The frost free period is on average 185-192 days starting in the second to third week of April and lasting until the third week of October. However, it is the heat that worries me more. We have on average 3700 degree days and the nights stay fairly warm. Concerned that will force ever earlier ripening and reduction in acidity.

I was just interested in how the viticulture compares to that of California in terms of how much time one has to cultivate, harvest then crush the grapes. In California we have an extended growing period and I was wondering how it works back East if, in fact, there is any difference at all.

Where I live, the grapes begin growing in February then harvest starts in August and runs through the end of October. I see you have a little less time to work with...can that be a problem logistcally and how will it affect the wine?